Over the years of living on a small mountaintop in southern Oregon, I have learned many valuable lessons from observing the wildlife that shares the forest area in which my house sits sequestered. The truth is, along the spiritual path, nature is never not exhibiting — in real time — with real creatures — some of the most profound principles one can hope to learn. And key here is the idea that, regardless of the nature of the lesson in hand, or its method of delivery, one must observe in order to learn. This holds true when it comes to watching insects, birds, and deer, as it does with stinging thoughts and sentimental feelings.

At any rate, I thought I would share one of these inner life lessons that I think is essential for those who aspire to realize their relationship with the Divine.

Several years back, I began throwing peanuts out to some of the yakking stellar jays that would regularly visit my birdfeeders for the free seed they’d find there. Over time, I began learning some of the calls these birds make, and gradually became able to call them in to me from the woods around my house where they must nest. Eventually I became friends with one of these jays that I came to name, “Heckle.” Little did I know how prophetic his name would be!

As our relationship developed, Heckle eventually learned the following: if he would just land on one of the little bonsai trees that sit directly in front of the large window (behind which I sit and do my work), and stare at me “longingly”… eventually I’d have to get up from my chair and throw him some peanuts! He even learned to rustle and fluff up his feathers, as do baby birds to elicit the feeding response from their parents. I was powerless!

Now almost every day — several times a day, in fact — Heckle shows up “asking” for a few treats. His persistence is impossible to describe. But what I can tell you is that when he sits there in front of me long enough, invariably I have to get up out of my chair to answer his non-verbal request. And if this relationship is in any way a reflection of the truth of what happens when a request is made consistently and persistently by one creature of another — which I am sure it is — then how much more true would this hold for someone who, persistently and consistently, asks God for a new life? Just as I am unable to refuse what this beautiful blue bird with its black crown asks of me, so is the very Goodness that has revealed this relationship incapable of refusing a measure of itself to any and all who ask.

Persistence and consistency in one’s interior work are not powers to be won, but rather preexist our awakening to the need for them in our lives. The man or woman who genuinely thirsts needs never be reminded of how much they need water. Persist!

Guy tells us that it’s not until all the edifices of our imagined existence crumble that a new foundation can be built. But we must go without “shelter” for a while. Spiritual change comes when I’m willing to stop protecting this nature, no matter how afraid I am as a result of what I’m risking.

There are parts of us that want the Truth, and then there are parts of us that only want what allows us to be comfortable and content with our life as we have known it. The upward path requires taking one step after another into what the self that perceives itself as doing this “walking” will feel is precarious, and perhaps even dangerous. But be assured, there is no danger to any human being who puts the Truth before all else, including his or her fear of making a mistake. As best you can, follow the “I” that wants the skies for its Home.

Guy Finley

Best-selling "Letting Go" author Guy Finley's encouraging and accessible message is one of the true bright lights in our world today. His ideas go straight to the heart of our most important personal and social issues -- relationships, success, addiction, stress, peace, happiness, freedom -- and lead the way to a higher life.

Guy is the acclaimed author of The Secret of Letting Go and 38 other books and audio programs that have sold over a million copies in 18 languages worldwide. In addition, he has presented over 4,000 unique self-realization seminars to thousands of grateful students throughout North America and Europe over the past 25 years and has been a guest on over 600 television and radio shows, including national appearances on ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, NPR, and many others.

Guy is a faculty member at the Omega Institute, and Director of Life of Learning Foundation, a non-profit Center for Self-Study in Merlin, Oregon. 200,000 people in 142 countries read his popular Key Lesson emails each week. His work is widely endorsed by doctors, business professionals, celebrities, and religious leaders of all denominations.

In addition to his writing and appearance schedule, Guy presents four inner-life classes each week at Life of Learning Foundation in Merlin, Oregon. These classes are ongoing and open to the public. For more information about Guy Finley and his life-changing work, visit guyfinley.org.

"Guy Finley is...one of the leading experts at the forefront of human potential."
-Nightingale Conant

"Guy Finley has helped millions live fuller, more peaceable lives."
-Barnes and Noble